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Coronavirus in Florida updates: COVID-19 deaths tick up by 48 marking state's deadliest day on record

A week ago, there were 144 reported deaths statewide, according to the April 2 end-of-day advisory. With Thursday's reported 371 fatalities — 27 more than the morning's advisory — Florida's reported seven-day death toll grew by 157%.

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Coronavirus in Florida updates: COVID-19 deaths tick up by 48 marking state's deadliest day on record

To provide our community with important public safety information, our newsroom is making stories related to the coronavirus free to read. To support important local journalism like this, please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

We'll update this story throughout the day with the latest news about coronavirus and its effects in Florida.

Thursday marked perhaps the grimmest of Florida's coronavirus outbreak as the state witnessed its deadliest day on record for the virus.

A single-day increase of 48 COVID-19 deaths, nearly a 15% increase, pushed the state's total number of fatalities to 371. Florida experienced a 25% increase of COVID-19 fatalities since Tuesday's end-of-day advisory.

A week ago, there were 144 reported deaths statewide, according to the April 2 end-of-day advisory. With Thursday's reported 371 fatalities — 17 more than the morning's advisory — Florida's reported seven-day death toll grew by 157%.

According to an evening advisory Thursday from the state Department of Health, 16,826 in Florida are confirmed to test positive for COVID-19. Positive cases grew by more than a thousand on Thursday, returning to a past trend in data. Wednesday, positive cases did not increase by a thousand or more.

In comparison, the state Department of Health reported 9,008 positive COVID-19 cases seven days ago. Positive case numbers from Thursday's evening advisory compared to the April 2 evening advisory show an 86.8% increase in positive cases.

A growing number in the state are hospitalized for coronavirus. According to the state agency, 2,298 are or have been under hospital care.

If you violate quarantine you can be held without bail. Here's what you need to know.

11:29 a.m. April 9

Can any Floridian be arrested and held without bail for egregiously violating the governor's safer-at-home order?

A judge with jurisdiction in Brevard County says yes.

According to an administrative order signed Monday by Lisa Davidson, the top judge for Brevard and Seminole counties, if you violate quarantine and isolation orders or any requirements adopted by the Health Department not only can you be arrested and fined, but you can also be held without bail under extreme circumstances.

The fatigued fighters battling to save lives

10:36 a.m. April 9

In the war against coronavirus, doctors and nurses do battle not only against the virus but their own exhaustion. We go inside one Southwest Florida hospital to document these medical heroes who are doing everything they can to save lives.

How does coronavirus enter the body, and why does it become fatal for some compared to just a cough or fever for others?
USA TODAY

Teen's paycheck supports family as dozens of Tallahassee refugees laid off in cornavirus' wake

11:24 a.m. April 9

While they fight the coronavirus outbreak in their new homes, swarms of locusts infest their former homes in the deserts of East Africa — the worst infestation in two decades.

To Tallahassee’s refugees from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, uncertainty and feelings of helplessness brought on by the coronavirus aren’t so unfamiliar.

In the middle of their refugee camps in Kenya and Uganda, where many fled to escape the horrors in DR Congo, the crop fields where they grew their own vegetables seethed with the grasshoppers during seasonal outbreaks that threatened their food and livelihoods.

But just as their new lives began here in the capital city, the pandemic's upending of the economy has threatened their new livelihoods: About 40 of Tallahassee’s refugees have now lost their jobs or hours significantly cut, says the local International Rescue Committee, the agency that helps refugee families resettle.

Jobless claims spike as Florida unveils new website for applications

9:48 a.m. April 9

Jobless Floridians filed close to 170,000 unemployment claims last week as the number of Americans seeking assistance amid the coronavirus topped 6 million.

The one-week state and national one-week totals spoke to the depth of the economic pain Americans are enduring amid broad shutdown of business and social life in a desperate attempt to the flatten the curve of infections.

The crisis in household income has been aggravated by significant delays and frustration with the process to apply for unemployment benefits.

Essential workers exposed to coronavirus can return to work if showing no symptoms, CDC says

9:18 a.m. April 9

In a first, small step toward reopening the country, the Trump administration issued new guidelines to make it easier for essential workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 to get back to work if they do not have symptoms of the coronavirus.

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announced Wednesday at the White House that essential employees, such as health care and food supply workers, who have been within 6 feet of a confirmed or suspected case of the virus can return to work under certain circumstances if they are not experiencing symptoms.

More than 3,700 travelers entered Florida through Tuesday via the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints, coming from areas of the country with substantial community spread of COVID-19, said Florida Department of Transportation spokeswoman Beth Frady.

Of those 3,700 travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Louisiana, not a single person has been told to turn around and go back the way they came.

If they spent a considerable amount of time in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Louisiana, then they must fill out a questionnaire indicating where they’ve been and are told to self-quarantine for the next 14 days that they are in Florida.

State prepares for surge in cases with makeshift hospitals

5:04 p.m. April 8

The Miami Beach Convention Center will be converted to a 450-bed hospital to meet what could be a critical health care shortage if Florida experiences a sudden surge in coronavirus cases, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday.

The iconic facility, which has hosted the South Florida Auto Show, Art Basel, Super Bowl events and even the 1964 Muhammad Ali-Sonny Liston heavyweight championship fight, will be set to house patients by April 20, DeSantis said.

“We need to be ready, and that’s what this will do,” DeSantis said, adding that the state currently has adequate hospital capacity and enough beds for what is forecast to be the peak demand on the hospital system from the coronavirus crisis.

Key coronavirus model says Florida has less time, but enough hospital beds

1:35 p.m. April 8

A key coronavirus model being used by the White House offered a much more optimistic scenario this week that suggests Florida could see its surge in cases earlier than expected but the predicted death toll drop by more than a third and our hospitals unlikely to be ovewhelmed.

The changes reflect a massive influx of new data, but like any model, they're not perfect and could easily shift again for the worse, the modelers warn, if people stop social distancing and following other health guidelines.

The latest model run also shows Florida should have many more hospital beds to spare than previously thought.

Delays in filing for unemployment benefits take financial, emotional toll

April 8

Floridians are heading to the Department of Economic Opportunity’s online CONNECT system to file jobless claims. The website has been swamped by applicants: More than 520,000 people applied for unemployment assistance in March, almost 200,000 more than applied in all of 2019.

Countless thousands were unable to complete an unemployment application or get phone help on an overloaded system plagued with problems years before the coronavirus crisis.

City Commissioners committed almost $70,000 in funding from events canceled due to coronavirus to an at-home effort to get facemasks to the community.

It didn’t take much cajoling before the unanimous vote Wednesday during the meeting in which commissioners and city staff appeared by video in practice with health officials’ recommendations on social distancing.

But the 30,000 or so cloth masks they approved the purchase of will help city staff continue to work and keep people within recommendations for everyone to wear face coverings in public.

That's because schools are closed. Theme parks are shuttered. Restaurant dining rooms are empty. The COVID-19 pandemic has all but obliterated institutional milk sales, said Wright, who has been president of Southeast Milk, Inc., a Belleview-based cooperative serving six Southern states, for the past 23 years.

A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Costa Cruises, a Carnival subsidiary, alleging the company neglected to inform Costa Luminosa passengers about potential coronavirus exposure and failed to take necessary precautions to protect those aboard. But such a lawsuit likely won't gain much traction, according to experts.

Passengers "were dragged across the Atlantic in a ticking coronavirus time bomb which to date has resulted in at least seven deaths," said maritime attorney Michael Winkleman, of Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman P.A.

The lawsuit, filed in Florida on Tuesday, alleges a 68-year-old Italian passenger from a previous voyage, who disembarked Feb. 29, exhibited coronavirus symptoms. He ultimately tested positive for coronavirus and died. But the cruise line failed to disclose the man's condition ahead of the ship's subsequent sailing, which departed on March 5, per the filing.

The suit argues Costa exposed more than 2,000 passengers on the ship to the virus.

Gov. Ron DeSantis wins first round in lawsuit aiming to force him to close beaches in Florida

April 7

Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis won the first round in a lawsuit to force a statewide closure of beaches. Leon County Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll approved a motion to dismiss after DeSantis' deputy general counsel Nicholas Primrose argued such an order would be an overreach of the court's authority.

Primrose said a governor has legal discretion in deciding how he uses emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic. Carroll agreed.

Lockdown exemption for Easter and Passover services not expected to be widely utilized

April 7

With one of the holiest weekends of the Christian and Jewish calendars coming up, Florida religious leaders said Tuesday they have no plans to test the boundaries of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s statewide stay-at-home order.

The governor’s directive limiting social interactions outside the home exempts essential needs including “attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship.”

The exemption for religious services has drawn criticism. There are concerns that congregating in churches will spread the virus at a time when health officials are advising against mass gatherings.

Frontline doctor: 'All I can say is that I'm scared'

“See one, do one, teach one” is the main teaching philosophy in medicine.

Now, in the year 2020, that has changed.

Working as a frontline physician during the COVID-19 pandemic is basically on the job training. I never thought that my 20 years of experience would lead me to this moment. I am up close and personal with a virus that humankind has never seen.

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A young surfer braves big waves as westerly winds create great surfing conditions in Ormond Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 30, 2020. Volusia County beaches, in east Central Florida, are partially open after restrictions were eased April 4, allowing visitors to exercise including walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming. Sunbathing and gathering in groups is still not permitted. The Volusia County Council is considering when to fully reopen the beaches that were closed in response to the coronavirus crisis. See photos photos of what residents are doing in Florida since May 2020. Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Jannie Ellis Alexander sits in the living room of her Fort Pierce home on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, as she watches a parade of friends, family and Fort Pierce Police Department officers roll by with lights, sirens and honking horns to celebrate her 100th birthday. "This milestone is so awesome, and I just can't thank the city enough for their support," said daughter Carol Washington (right). "Originally, the celebration was going to be held at the Ilous Ellis Park, and because of the coronavirus pandemic, the alternative was the car parade, and I just think it turned out wonderful." The parade was organized by Fort Pierce Police Officer Damien Spotts after the family called the station to see if something could be done to help the community celebrate the day. "And one of the most amazing things about mom," Washington said, "whether she faced bad times or good times, she has always been a loving person and a helping hand to everyone around her. That's just who momma is." See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

The Williams family from Fort Myers were some of the first people at Bowditch Point Park on the north end of Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday morning on April 29, 2020. Lee County opened up the beaches it manages Wednesday to the public after they were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The beach that is managed by the town of Fort Myers Beach, which is from Crescent Beach south is still only open to Fort Myers Beach residents from 7-10 a.m. for exercise. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

Indian River County officials re-opened the public beach access points to the community on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Beach activities are limited to "essential activities" only, according to County Administrator Jason Brown. Those include running, walking, surfing and exercise. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Lt. Morgan Harmin, of St. Lucie County Ocean Rescue, keeps watch over the shoreline of Waveland Beach on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 in southern St. Lucie County. "Everything is going well so far. Everyone is complying with expectations, and they’re doing social distancing, staying mobile," Harmin said. After more than a month the beaches in St. Lucie County are now open with restrictions to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Activities that allow for social distancing include limiting groups to less than 10 people and staying 6 feet apart. Other activities include walking, jogging, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing and shell collecting. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Fort Myers resident Robert Gebhardt holds a sign protesting the opening of Fort Myers Beach to residents on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. The Fort Myers Beach Town Council allowed the beaches to open but only to residents. Face masks were mandatory as well. It appeared as residents were abiding by social distancing guidelines. The Lee County Commissioners voted Tuesday to reopen County-controlled public beaches effective Wednesday, April 29, 2020. This impacts the beach from Crescent Beach Park including Lynn Hall Memorial Park (pier) northward and Bowditch Point Park. However, beach and accesses controlled by the Town of Fort Myers Beach (from Crescent Beach Park south to Big Carlos Pass Bridge) remain open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for residents to exercise only. Beach access parking controlled by the Town remains closed. Enforcement of parking and beach access violations will be in effect. The Town’s parks, recreation and cultural facilities, as well as Town Hall, remain closed until at least Friday, May 1, 2020, when Town Council is scheduled to meet for further discussion on beach openings and related topics. When the Lee County beaches open, the general public is advised to stay in and north of Crescent Beach Park. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

President Donald Trump listens as Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., talks about the coronavirus response during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2020 in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Roxana Solano wears personal protective equipment as she plays the guitar and sings as residents sing along at a temporary quarantine and isolation facility for the homeless during the new coronavirus pandemic, Monday, April 27, 2020 in North Miami, Fla. This location houses people 60 and older who were living in shelters, on the street or were known to have health issues making them vulnerable to COVID-19. Those who test positive for the virus are isolated from the other residents. The Homeless Trust is working to reduce the numbers at permanent shelters in the community. Lynne Sladky, AP

These two characters are already adopted but still wanted to be in the parade. Staff and volunteers with the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Center in Titusville held another Doggie Parade on Monday, April 27. They drove a caravan of vehicles through several neighborhoods, honking their horns and hoping that the dogs will meet their future new families. Some of the dogs participating already have homes with staff members, and others are hoping that they will win hearts and forever homes. See more photos. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

Francisco Hernandez harvests oranges for grower George Winslow at the "G" Road Grove in Hendry County on Monday, April 27, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and other issues have affected the agriculture industry, including citrus. Winslow says the harvest is a month to six weeks behind schedule this year and he believes part of the reason is the processing, handling and labor. He says he has lost half of his harvest this year. Andrew West, The News-Press

John Shepherd, 63, poses for a portrait in the serenity garden where he feeds bread crumbs to squirrels and birds each morning as he goes through the Crossroads residential addiction treatment program at David Lawrence Center in Naples on Monday, April 27, 2020. Coronavirus has created new challenges for people struggling with addiction, like those who are lack the resources to access alcohol and narcotics anonymous meetings that have now moved online. Shepherd says he's thankful to have a job and living situation lined up for when he moves back to Sarasota after leaving Crossroads. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

A healthcare professional and members of the National Guard wait for a person who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 to arrive to be tested at a concession stand inside Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 25, 2020. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sugar donated Florida-grown sweet corn to families at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, April 24, 2020 in Indiantown. The recently-harvested sweet corn was grown by U.S. Sugar farmers, packaged by Duda and delivered by Cheney Brothers. See more photos. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/SPECIAL TO TCPALM

Melodie Caudle, a fifth-grader at Beachland Elementary School in Vero Beach, waves to friends, classmates and community members welcoming her home on Friday, April 24, 2020, as she is escorted around the Indian River Mall by local law enforcement agencies. Caudle was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in August 2019 and received her final chemotherapy treatment on Friday. Caudle was being treated at the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High school seniors — and a few parents — showed up in the parking lot as the athletic field lights were turned on Friday at 8:20 p.m. — 2020 in military time — for 20 minutes and twenty seconds to recognize the senior class. They beeped their horns as they sat in the pouring rain, watching the lights. #classof2020 #bethelight See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Josh Taylor walks out of the cooler with bags of tuna for waiting customers on Thursday, April 23, 2020, as word gets out that Day Boat Seafood is selling fresh fish from the dock in Fort Pierce. The company, located on the northwest corner of the North Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce, would normally sell their catch through distributors to restaurants and grocery stores. But, with the downturn of the economy, have opened their dock to the public, selling fresh fish right off the boat at a reduced price. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

A branch rests on power lines just off of Thomasville Road near the intersection of Ox Bottom Road after a strong storm that likely produced tornadoes drenched Tallahassee Thursday, April 23, 2020 See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Rachel Spector, left, with The Children's Trust, and Adrienna Sotomayor, center, Miami Diaper Bank Program Coordinator, stack diapers at Curley's House of Style, Inc., food bank, Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Miami. Curley's House of Style, along with The Children's Trust and the Miami Diaper Bank, distributed diapers and baby items to families financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Wilfredo Lee, AP

Parade participants from Collier County Public Schools wave and hold signs from a school bus during a parade thanking local public health workers at the Florida Department of Health in Naples on Thursday, April 23, 2020. See more photos. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Jose Zacapa, 19, of Port St. Lucie, is wheeled past a crowd of heath care professionals and staff at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute after being released to go home on Thursday, April 23, 2020 in Fort Pierce. Zacapa is recovering after contracting the COVID-19 virus. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

University of West Florida Exercise Science student, Georgia Spafford, demonstrates a stretching technique to a client watching online during a workout session on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Spafford and other students are using technology to complete class requirements while observing the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Elfred Deynes, right, plays an improvised game of pickleball using an entry gate as a net with his son Christian during the new coronavirus pandemic, Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in Miami. Parks, tennis courts and other public spaces remain closed in Miami-Dade County to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus. Lynne Sladky, AP

Miami Dolphins cheerleader coach and choreographer Natalie Chernow does a dance routine for a video prep class amid the new coronavirus pandemic, Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in Miami. Due to ongoing concerns with COVID-19, the Miami Dolphins football team has launched virtual auditions for cheerleaders through May 2. Candidates can watch the online prep classes before their audition. Lynne Sladky, AP

Facundo Macias, a truck driver for Leal Harvesting AND Hauling Inc. prepares to drive meal kits to drop off points in Immokalee on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. The meals were shipped down through the Florida Division of Emergency Management to the Benison Center and will be distributed to residents soon. 44 pallets were given to Immokalee and 22 pallets were given to the Everglades City rural Marco Island area. Facundo normally transports roofing material and harvested tomatoes. Now he his barely squeeking by because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he is working 2-3 days a week. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

Anthony Savoia and his daughter Camryn plant a red mangrove. Wednesday was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In Palm Bay, volunteers with the Marine Resource Council did a shoreline clean up along the lagoon and planted over 100 red mangroves along the shore. The volunteers did their best to practice social distancing. See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Members of the Gomes family enjoy a day at Six Mile Cypress Slough on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. It was one of Lee County's public use area that opened after Lee County officials eased restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beaches and several other parks and playgrounds remain closed. 20/20 lands are also open for public use as well. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

Lillian Brooks, a volunteer for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, helps put bags of food together for clients in Immokalee on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. The food bank is delivering between 500-600 prepackaged meals and vegetables to numerous sites throughout Southwest Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. The food bank is in need of donations and volunteers due the pandemic as well. Another mobile site at the Lee County Civic Center will take place on Wednesday morning starting at 10 a.m. The need for services is also going up as the weeks go by. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

McKenzie Carey, who suffers from Mitochondrial disease, got a surprise on her 18th birthday, as a large caravan of Melbourne Police Deptartment patrol cars, a Melbourne Fire Deptartment fire truck, Brevard County Sheriff Deptartment vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol, and friends drove twice past her apartment in Melbourne. To find out how to help her with this life threatening illness, visit the Facebook page Hope for McKenzie: All her special needs, or visit www.gofundme.com and type Kenzie's Korner. See more photos. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

Some neighborhoods in Santa Rosa County were hard hit by a line of thunderstorms that rolled through the area that left limbs, fallen trees, and damaged property behind on Monday, April 20, 2020. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Lehigh Acres resident Wesley Maldonado works out in his garage with daughter Ley Marie Maldonada while his granddaughter and her daughter, Amahia Diaz, 7 months, watches on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Malndonado and his wife, Mary Ann Torres (not pictured) own a small Lehigh Acres nutrition business called the Spartan Wellness Center and they are extremely concerned they are going to close because they can't pay the rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They still have an income coming into the house because she is also a teacher in Immokalee. She said "My home finances are ok because I am a teacher, but that is not the same story for a lot families," she said. "I've used this time to work on myself, be outside and stay positive." Besides going out for essential needs, the couple and their family is taking the pandemic seriously and staying home. She said that several times a week the whole family gathers in the garage to work out. Wesley was a former professional boxer in Puerto Rico. Andrew West, The News-Press

People walk on the beach during the coronavirus pandemic Friday, April 17, 2020 on Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis has given the green light for some beaches and parks to reopen if it can be done safely after being closed because of the coronavirus. DeSantis' announcement on Friday came as north Florida beaches became among the first to allow beach-goers to return since the closures. Will Dickey/ The Florida Times-Union via AP

Colton Day (right), 17, rolls out material to be used in the construction of face masks on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Robert Doerr Upholstery in Sebastian. The family-owned shop decided at the beginning of the month they would start producing masks to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. "It's pretty amazing what a small family shop can do," said owner Robert Doerr. "When the Florida Forest Service comes to pick up their order today, we will have distributed more than 2,000 masks. We're going to keep going until the need is no longer there." See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Holly Emmons, a restaurant employee who was laid off, protests with others in downtown Naples on Friday, April 17, 2020. The group came out to protest the Florida unemployment system. Many have been out of work for at least a month and haven’t gotten an unemployment check yet. See more photos. Amanda Inscore/The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Protester Jordan Mazurek, 28, who cemented his hands in two 55-gallon plastic drums in the driveway of the governor's mansion, being escorted in handcuffs to a TPD car, Friday, April 17, 2020. Mazurek is protesting how Gov. Ron DeSantis is handling coronavirus in state prisons. See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Derek Bernard of the band Derek and the Slammers plays violin as the band performs for the residents of The Fountains of Melbourne assisted living facility Friday, April 17, 2020. See more photos. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

State Attorney Jack Campbell plays a hand of spades with his wife, Krista Campbell, and their two children Carsyn, 9, and Colton, 11. The Campbells spend many hours are spent playing cards at their dining room table as they practice social distancing. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Thomas Williams relaxes on the sidewalk near City of Palms Park after getting a hot meal on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Many people without homes are finding it difficult to find places where they can be during the stafer-at-home order since parks are closed and shelters are not taking people. See more photos. Amanda Inscore/The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Corey Jurgensen runs along East Henry Avenue wearing an inflatable unicorn costume. Jurgensen has been wearing the costume during runs several times a week to cheer up others during this time of isolation but finds it therapeutic for herself as well to run through her Seminole Heights neighborhood wearing a silly costume, Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Fla. Martha Asencio Rhine/ Tampa Bay Times via AP

June Wells and Nicolas Desposito, of Port St. Lucie, watch as a group of manatees swim in the water below the walkway bridge on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Round Island Riverside Park in Indian River County. "We just needed to get out of the house and decided to take a drive," Desposito said. "The parks are open, so why not use them?" See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Specialist Mavrick Graves with the Army's 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base sews the face and backing for protective masks in the parachute rigger shed on the group's compound. The riggers make nearly 500 masks per day which are being sent to military hospital workers and other military and Department of Defense personnel. The soldiers are wearing completed masks. Michael Snyder

The coronavirus has spawned a new community of litterbugs with personal protection items such as gloves, Clorox wipes, empty containers of sanitizer and face masks left behind on sidewalks and parking lots. It's a growing concern. Mark H. Bickel

Hertz rental cars pack Hertz Arena on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. With so many cars not being rented because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hertz arena not being used, the space became a perfect spot to store vehicles. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

Jannette Sullivan, left, began moving her possessions out of the mobile home she rents following a late night fire with help from her grandmother, Tomasa Ramos Quintero, center, and her boyfriend, Christopher Washington, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 on Southeast Tejon Street in Stuart. "I just paid my landlord all my money. The landlord never fixes this trailer," Sullivan said. "I told her this is God's blessing" to get her out of the situation, Washington said. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend program coordinator Lillian Cleveland gives a family a laptop. The program raised funds to purchase more than 100 laptops from Walmart to provide youth in the program access to the technology needed to complete their virtual learning, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Health care workers at NCH in the Naples, Florida campus on Immokalee Road received donated flowers on Wednesday morning on April 15, 2020. American Farms donated thousands of pots of flowers to the staff that is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The flowers could not be sold because of the pandemic so the owner, Sandra Molina-Salazar, found a home for them. Members of Golden Care and Preferred Care helped coordinate the delivery. The plan is to get flowers to all health care providers in Southwest Florida hospitals. See more photos. Andrew West, The News-Press

Mickey Diamond inspects a new type of cottonseed on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The coronavirus has disrupted nearly every industry in America, and farming is no exception. But farmers in Northwest Florida have been spared somewhat by the collapsing economy compared to farmers in other parts of the state, due to the non-perishable nature of their two main crops: peanuts and cotton. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Crews work on the Gulf Power underground energy upgrade project along Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Work is progressing faster with less traffic due to the coronavirus shutdown. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

John Lowie and Rich Danzig, of Jarvis Property Restoration, use a disinfectant spray to clean the two ambulance units of the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Indian River Shores. The company comes a few times per week to clean the inside of the units that may have come in contact with someone carrying COVID-19. "This is a complementary service we are providing for the department and local first responders," said Matthew Johns, operations manager with Jarvis Property Restoration. "We're using a fogging method, which gives us better application of the disinfectant. We're cleaning the inside of rigs and offices, anywhere there are high traffic areas." Crews from Jarvis are also providing the cleaning service to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Craig Koehler, right, a student in the Dinning with Dignity culinary program at The Source in Vero Beach, fills sack lunches on Monday, April 13, 2020, that will be delivered through Indian River County to homeless and low-income individuals. The Source, a faith-based ministry for the homeless, would normally be open, but due to the continued spread of COVID-19, are limiting the number of people permitted inside. About 500 meals are made each day. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Christie McClanahan stands with her bike and waits for the sunrise. The Easter services were online, but people still came to the beach to watch the sunrise on Easter morning, At the end Minutemen Causeway, where hundreds usually attend the Club Zion's Easter services, a few still came and practiced social distancing. See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Alexandra Ardila, of Stuart, Fla., raises her hand while listening to a song during a drive-in Easter service at the First Baptist Church of Stuart on Sunday, April 12, 2020 in Stuart. Because of the new coronavirus pandemic, the church congregation could not worship together inside the church. About 75 vehicles lined the parking lot for prayer, song and worship. "I respect what's going on and we all have to be cautious but fear doesn't belong to God," Ardila said. "I am here to let my family know that I'm not going to be hiding because the Lord lives and he has risen today." See more photos. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/SPECIAL TO TCPALM

In honor of Easter, Cape Coral resident, Becca Rodriguez paints a cross in her driveway with her children Quinten, 14, Roman, 5, Rilynn, 2, and niece Kaydence Hodson, 14, on Friday, April 10, 2020. She says the kids have not left the house/neighborhood in almost a month because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She says it has helped the family reduce stress in their lives. We do everything together, and it has helped us focus on our family and reevaluate. Her husband works for Lee Health, so every time he comes home from work he changes clothes in the garage and showers before interacting with his family. She says they are doing everything from sanitizing the groceries to social distancing to stay safe. Hodson was visiting but has been self quarantining for the last 30 days as well.
Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Ryan Dell of Carroll Distributing welcomes a restaurant industry employee to the company's distribution center in Rockledge, Fla. on Friday, April 10. Carroll Distributing combined with Cheney Bros, Inc. food service to hand out close to 3000 ham and turkey meals to those in the bar and restaurant industry laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

JoAnn Lee reviews the lesson plan for the youngest daughter, Madison, while her other children Josh and Kiera, complete their school work in the comfort of the family’s Milton area living room on Friday, April 10, 2020. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

From left, Shaggy's employees Sam Smith, Rachelle Norman, Jerrell McNair, Sydney Love, and Tori McCreless have a laugh while enjoying a cruise around Little Sabine Bay in Pensacola Beach on Friday, April 10, 2020. Weaver is offering 30 minute dinner cruises around the bay. The boat is docked behind Shaggy's restaurant, so many people are buying dinner from the restaurant and eating during the cruise. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

Reyann Epps helps distribute school supplies Friday afternoon at First Methodist Church in Port St. John. Forward Thinking Outreach, better known as Team Grace, decided to distribute supplies at this time of year to help families cope with home learning and loss of income during the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

Cape Coral residents, Kyle McClinton Jr., 9, and his sister Kylie, 2, take a break from playing in their grandmother's front yard of the Heights neighborhood in south Fort Myers on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Their grandmother, Celistine McClinton, is watching them while their parents work in essential businesses. She makes sure they attend school in the morning but lets them let off steam in the afternoon. Kyle attends Heights Elementary and says he is enjoying his time off because he says he has more "free time." Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Lamar Wright, a volunteer at the Epps Christian Center, loads a selection of food into a client's car during a food giveaway at the Pace Blvd. center on Thursday, April 9, 2020. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

The House of Hope production farm, led by supervisor Kayla Sinotte, is bursting with produce Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the farm in Palm City. In a single week, the nonprofit provides an average of 400 heads of lettuce, bok choy, tat son, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, mustard greens, green onions, spinach and more to their clients. "I'm being very cautious," Sinotte said of food production in the time of coronavirus. "(There is) the least amount of hands touching the produce as possible." See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Fort Myers Beach resident Cheryl Schlichte, 59, performs her yoga routine on her back deck before starting her day as a project manager for Lee Health and Healthy Lee on Thursday, April 9, 2020. She helps promote programs for the community. She is also recording mindful stress reliever sessions for the system which are uploaded for clients to watch. She is keeping a positive attitude through exercise and healthy eating through the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the struggles have been technology based and trying to keep family members safe along with keeping up with the routine of the day. "I have worry and anxiety, but being one with the universe makes me realize the future is ours, we can make it whatever we want," she said. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

UWF cross country coach, Caleb Carmichael, center, is joined by Justin Watson and Josh Clark as he runs his fourth marathon in as many days on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Carmichael is running seven marathons in 7 days to raise money for Argo Pantry and Feed the Gulf Coast as a way to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Members of the North Collier Fire Rescue District hold signs to show their support for the nurses at NCH North Naples Hospital on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. See more photos. Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Toilet paper sits inside a food display stand as Will Watkins, owner of The Barefoot Cafe, takes a call-in order on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in downtown Vero Beach. Watkins is now selling individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, and gloves to help his customers in need of supplies, and to help supplement his take-out restaurant service. "Filling a need on both sides of the retail (market), and for customers," Watkins said. "It's what people need and if we can help them out and supply it, then we'll do it." See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Lehigh Acres resident and current Pensacola Blue Wahoos manager Jose Borrego trains his daughters at their home on Wednesday, April, 8, 2020. He is stuck at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic and would be starting the season right now. The Wahoos are part of the Minnesota Twins organization. He has been with the organization for his whole career as a player and coach. His daughters are Maria,16, and Mya, 9. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

As the sun set over the St. Lucie River, April's full moon, the brightest supermoon of the year rose in the east over Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Stuart. The hospital is a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19, the virus that caused a global pandemic that has forced millions of Americans to stay home. As of April 7, more than a dozen patients infected with coronavirus are being treated by Cleveland Clinic in Martin County. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

The 'pink moon' rises over Estero Bay on Tuesday April, 7, 2020. it is the largest super moon of the year because of its closest approach to earth in orbit. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Scott Van Duzer Jr. prepares to bake a pizza at his father's Big Apple Pizza restaurant on Monday, April 6, 2020, in Fort Pierce. Scott Van Duzer Sr. is helping feed seniors with Slices for Seniors, providing pizzas, greeting cards and T-shirts for the recipients. "Hopefully, try to lift their spirits and let them know they are not forgotten," Van Duzer Sr. said. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Rich Hoffman was practicing social distancing while casting a net for bait in order to get some fishing done at the Melbourne Beach Pier in Brevard County on Monday, April 6. See more photos. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

John Stebbins, left, looks at homework packets with his twin sons John Stebbins Jr., center, and Chris Stebbins, right, at their home in East Naples on Saturday, April 4, 2020. John Jr. and Chris, who both have cerebral palsy, are exceptional education students at Barron Collier High School and Naples High School, respectively. Since schools have closed due to coronavirus, the boys are home with their dad all day. See more photos. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Ida Eguia, an employee of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Immokalee, helps Heather Fitzenhagen, a member of the Florida House of Representative representing the 78th District hand out supplies to Immokalee farm workers including Jesus Pisca on Saturday, April 4 in Immokalee. Fitzenhagen set up a GoFundMe page after seeing photographs shot by photojournalist Kinfay Moroti of farm workers during the pandemic. She bought the items and partnered with the RCMA to get the supplies to the farm workers. 105.5 The Beat radio station also helped by getting the word out. She plans on getting more supplies to workers as often as she can as the coronavirus pandemic affects Southwest Florida. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Norma Caldon, left, and Inocente Ordoñez, right, wash their hands before getting on a bus to work in Immokalee on Friday, April 3, 2020. The hand washing station, supplied by Lipman Family Farms, is one of many that have been placed throughout the community. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Luggage is removed from the Holland America ship the Zaandam at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Thursday, April 2, 2020. A cruise ship that had at least two passengers die of coronavirus and others sickened while barred from South American ports has finally docked in Florida. The Zaandam and a sister ship sent to help it, the Rotterdam, were given permission to unload passengers at Port Everglades on Thursday, after days of negotiations with officials who feared it would divert resources from a region with a spike in virus cases. Mike Stocker/ South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Chrissy Guerrant, a barista at Bunkhouse Coffee Bar, paints a tropical mural on the side of the building Thursday, April 2, 2020 in Jensen Beach. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and new regulations for restaurants, business has slowed at the vegan coffee shop. "I wanted to use this downtime to allow the girls that work for me to strengthen their talents," said owner Kelly Adams, who wants to "support them in their passions and hobbies." Guerrant grew up in an artistic family and studied studio arts in college. "It's like a dream come true, you know?" Guerrant said of her biggest piece of artwork yet. "It's cool to have someone who believes in you." See more photos.
LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Construction workers at the Cascades Project distance themselves as they wait in line to have their temperature taken before starting their day of work on Thursday, April 2, 2020. See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Looking on through a pane of glass, Harry Toban shares a moment with his wife, Jackie Toban, daughter, Toby Connery and grandson, Kyle Connery, as they sing happy birthday on his 95th birthday on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach. Because of the continued spread of coronavirus across the Treasure Coast, the nursing facility has closed their doors to visitors to keep its residents safe from exposure. "I'm sad that we have to celebrate his birthday this way," said Toby Connery, "but the look on his face when we were all standing there is priceless. I'm sure he's loving all this attention. He performed as a clown for 30 years." See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Escambia County lifeguards do daily physical training at Casino Beach in Pensacola on Thursday, April 2, 2020. The lifeguards are maintaining operational readiness while the beaches are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

John Anderson walks his dogs by his neighbor Annette Brown's house on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in Fort Myers. Brown, who is an artist, came up with the idea to decorate shoes with inspirational messages and is encouraging her neighbors and friends to do the same. Brown got the inspiration from Romans 10:15 - "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring us good news!" See more photos. Amanda Inscore/The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Viv Brown, left, with the Women Supporting Women's support group, and Sandy Dorsainvil, right, with the City of Miami, package tomatoes during a food distribution event, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami. The event was supported by the city, Ark of the City and Farm Share. Wilfredo Lee, AP

Florida National Guardsmen walk past nurses gathering before the start of testing for COVID-19 at the regional temporary drive-thru testing site at the Orange County Convention Center, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. Wednesday marked the first day of testing age restrictions being lifted at the OCCC site. Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Lee County Commissioners held an emergency meeting in the county chambers on Wednesday, April, 1, 2020. The county will follow the emergency declaration that Gov. Ron DeSantis issued that residents shall stay home unless going out for essential needs. The declaration will start on Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Claudia Giraldo is the owner of a bridal shop in Cape Coral. The shop owner and her employees are currently making face masks to provide to emergency care workers and first responders in an effort to help fulfill the need for this dwindling and hard to get personal protection equipment. The shop chose to temporarily close because of how few customers they were getting and to keep people safe. However, the employees are still coming in everyday to make masks to donate to places in need since the shop already has sewing equipment. Given the recent stafer-at-home declaration by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, it is unclear if they will be able to remain open. See more photos. Ricardo Rolon /The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

People enjoy the day around Fort Pierce Jetty Park walking, bicycling, fishing and socializing while practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in Fort Pierce. On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued his safer-at-home order, which mandates that senior citizens and others with underlying medical conditions stay home and asks all other Floridians to stay put as much as possible, effective April 3-30, 2020. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Kabe Stanton, of Fort Pierce, takes a lunch break while watching the scenery from the new sand placed on the eroded beach at Fort Pierce Jetty Park on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in Fort Pierce. Stanton said he works as an Uber driver, delivering food and products to clients quarantining themselves in their homes. "There's a lot of people who come out to the jetty," Stanton said. "If you really want to do social distancing, you have a mile-long stretch of beach all around here, and it's completely unnecessary to close it. I'm a Floridian and I like the sun, that's why I'm out here." See more photos.
ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Patricia Williams, 82, pulls a bag of frozen Brussel sprouts as she grocery shops at Ramsey's Cash Saver, located in Blountstown, Florida, March 31, 2020. Williams is a firm believer in wearing gloves and a mask when out in public to protect her from the coronavirus. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

A man wearing a protective mask and gloves cycles past a mural of a flamingo during the new coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami. The Governor of Florida has issued a stay at home order for Southeast Florida. Lynne Sladky, AP

A bald eagle brings food to its two young eaglets waiting in a nest atop a cell phone tower off NE Savannah Road on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in Jensen Beach. One eaglet stayed in the nest Tuesday morning as the other kept watch while their parent was on the hunt. See more photos.
LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Assistant gardener Andrew Hollingsworth waters plants in the grow house at the From the Ground Up Community Garden on North Hayne Street in Pensacola on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

An Okaloosa County Beach Safety lifeguard patrols an empty beach on Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Monday, March 30, 2020. Beaches in the Florida panhandle have been closed by county officials since March 21 to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Devon Ravine/ Northwest Florida Daily News via AP

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at a drive-through coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the people on the Holland America's Zandaam where four people died and others are sick to be treated in Florida, saying the state doesn't have the capacity to treat outsiders as the coronavirus outbreak spreads. Wilfredo Lee, AP

The north entrance into Orlando International Airport is empty as advisory signs inform travelers of the shelter-in order from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in response to the coronavirus crisis, Monday, March 30, 2020 Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Monday, March 30, 2020 was national Doctor Appreciation Day and the tech crew from the Gleason Performing Arts Center at Florida Tech participated in the #lightthesky event. This is an entertainment and event industry movement to send hope to those affected by COVID-19 and a way to show appreciate and send gratitude to those on the front lines. The tech crew had the lights on from 8:00 until 8:30, shining LED lights into the shy and having a heart shaped symbol on the lawn. See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Nicholas Harder, 6, picks up balls at the end of practice. Families, thanks to Donny Overholser who oversees the fields at Fleishman Park in Fort Myers, have been permitted an hour to spend outdoors during the coronavirus epidemic. Public parks have been shut down across the area, limiting time kids can spend outside their homes. They have to leave before the next family arrives. See more photos. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Scenes from downtown Fort Myers at the lunch hour on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Businesses and restaurants are shuttered or are offering take out dining because of the coronavirus pandemic. Normally this sidewalk would be filled with lunchtime diners and tables. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Reverend Amy Turner (center) of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church prepares for communion alongside of Rev. John Liebler, of St. Simon the Cyrenian Episcopal Church, during their drive-in Eucharist service in the parking lot of St. Andrew's on Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Downtown Fort Pierce. The unconventional service provided for a safe environment for parishioners of both churches due to the COVID-19 pandemic by broadcasting the sermon on FM radio 101.1. "You can see people waving to each other, talking to each other in the distance, there is a sense of community," Rev. Liebler said. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Scenes from downtown Fort Myers at the lunch hour on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Businesses and restaurants are shuttered or are offering take out dining because of the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Mimi Kuriger, 67, of Vero Beach, had her 50th class reunion with her former fellow students at Mount Saint Joseph Academy on Saturday, March 28, 2020. "If a bunch of old ladies were able to figure this out without screwing it up, anyone can," Kuriger said. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY MIMI KURIGER

Fiore Florist and Covenant Care of Pensacola provided Pensacola motorists with a "flower flash" Saturday, March 28 2020. The flowers went up late Friday afternoon on the Covenant Care's 12th Avenue road sign. See more photos. John Blackie/jblackie@pnj.com

The Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter has empty kennels for the first time in its 25-year history. The shelter staff is using this opportunity to deep-clean the entire facility to make room for more animals once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

In this March 27, 2020, photo, rotting strawberries sit on plants in a field in Plant City, Fla. Thousands of acres of fruits and vegetables grown in Florida are being plowed over or left to rot because farmers can't sell to restaurants, theme parks or schools nationwide that have closed because of the coronavirus. Chris O'Meara, AP

Fashion designer Kallee Jackson (center) and her children Kallee, 9, and Arthur, 11, work with assistant, Jennifer Orazi on Friday, March 27, 2020, as they make face masks to be donated to local community organizations. "I've not had much business since the coronavirus outbreak, so I decided to help fill a need in the community," Jackson said. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Walter MacKinnon, 6, a first grader at J.D. Parker Elementary School and his mother, Mimi Fry, of Stuart, wait for caravan of teachers from the school to drive by Friday, March 27, 2020, on Hibiscus Street in Stuart. Martin County public schools are closed through at least April 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but beginning Monday classes will be taught through online distance learning. When asked if MacKinnon misses his teachers, he said, "a little. Actually, a lot, but not too much." See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Michelle Dees reaches out with a basket at the end of a pole to get payment for a to-go order at George Bistro + Bar's makeshift drive-thru on N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola on Friday, March 27, 2020. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

Justine Gudmundson-McCain shows off one of the make-at-home kits available at Bluejay's Bakery on Friday, March 27, 2020. The downtown bakery is offering its customers a wide variety of make-at-home dessert kits as a way to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

A mixed-media art piece of Mary and her son, Jesus, hangs in a room in the home of artist Lily Jurskis on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Stuart. The piece is the first one Jurskis, now 21, created in high school. Jurskis said she gets anxious and stressed, but creating the art helps her maintain control and in addition, makes others happy. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

A sign advises social distancing of six feet to protect against the new coronavirus, as Gabriel Tapia, an employee at Faulkner Plastics, right, wears a mask as he works with a customer, Friday, March 27, 2020, in Hialeah, Fla. When Faulkner Plastics was forced to scale down its operations due to the new coronavirus pandemic, the factory repurposed production and began making face shields used by medical workers to help with the medical supply shortage. The factory sells to local hospitals and individuals, and is working 24 hours a day to meet the demand. Lynne Sladky, AP

Kisco's corporate wellness and resident relations director Libbi Hash and her friend Lori Clark, a teacher at University Park Elementary School, were out before dawn at The Fountains of Melbourne, holding signs for the employees and nurses that work there. The signs were to thank them for their dedication to the senior residents during COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Jeanette Fritz, a hairdresser at Hair on Earth, shaves her client's neck. Hair on Earth is one of the first Tallahassee businesses to receive emergency funding from the Office of Economic Vitality, Friday, March 27, 2020. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

While her daughter Emma, 4, plays with her ribbon dancer, Brittany Hutto, a 5th grade language arts and social studies teacher at Hawks Rise Elementary School, works on setting up her computer for remote teaching at her home Thursday, March 26, 2020. Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Teddy sits in his cage waiting for a foster parent Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the Collier County Animal Services in North Naples. Animal shelters are having trouble finding foster care support for animals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos. Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Michael Rivera was listening to a delayed broadcast and missed the first few seconds of the launch from his chair in Cape Cananveral. United Launch Alliance launched its Atlas V rocket with the Air Force's sixth and final Advanced Extremely High Frequency, or AEHF-6, satellite March 26, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41 at 4:18 p.m. The satellite aims to provide highly-secure, jam-proof communications, which includes real-time video between U.S. national leadership and deployed military forces. See more photos. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

As a way to stay in touch with friends and neighbors, Charlie Wilson, and his girlfriend Toddy Offutt, show 'My Cousin Vinny' from their driveway on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in the Pineapple Cay neighborhood in Indian River County. "We'll show a different movie every night starting at 8 p.m. for whoever wants to come," Wilson said. See more photos. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

A parade of more then two dozen cars and trucks pass by the home of Eden Wagerer, 10, to bring a birthday party parade to Eden and her family at Bahia Drive on Thursday, March 26, 2020 in Fort Pierce. Wagerers had plans to celebrate Eden's birthday in Orlando, but due to her medical issues and the COVID19 pandemic, Eden needed to be at home and at a safe distance from people, so her neighbors, friends and teachers brought the party to her in the form of a parade. More than two dozen cars and trucks filled with friends were waving signs and honking their horns as they drove by. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

A traveler walks through Southwest Florida International Airport on Thursday, March, 26, 2020. Screeners from the Department of Health are giving certificates to travelers who arrive from tri-state area to fill out because of the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Club Esteem member Jalyna Maestre, 16, tutoring A’nyla Dennard, 7. Adults and teens of Club Esteem, Inc. are set up outside the Lipscomb Park Community Center on Monroe Street in South Melbourne, providing free breakfast and lunch meals for pick up with the help of Second Harvest Food Bank of Brevard and The Children's Hunger Project. They are set up 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and hope to continue the meals in the coming weeks. Their mission is to inspire young people from economically disadvantaged communities to pursue academic and personal excellence. This non-profit is always in need of donations. Visit www.clubesteem.org. See more photos. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

From left to right, therapy dogs Echo, Balou and Aqua pose for a photo in their stroller at their home in Naples on Thursday, March 26, 2020. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the dogs are now available for window visits with those who are elderly, sick or isolated. See more photos. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Kevin East pressure washes the deck at Bamboo Willie's while it is closed due to COVID-19 at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Some businesses on the boardwalk remain open while others are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

Coach Roscoe Barber (not pictured), assistant coach for Fort Pierce Westwood High School football, works with high school and college players to do speed and agility training on the practice field of Dan McCarty Middle School on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Fort Pierce. Since school weight rooms and gyms are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roscoe brought players out on an open field to train. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Angel Villegas, of Port St. Lucie, fishes the Indian River Lagoon on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at the Jensen Beach Causeway. Most fishing spots remain accessible as the coronavirus pandemic spreads, except for public beaches and the facilities at popular parks Sebastian Inlet State Park and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Locals hope many fishing piers will remain open. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Port Salerno Elementary School and Martin County School District staff distribute laptops and meals to families staying in their vehicles as the district transitions to distance learning because of the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Port Salerno. The district has more than 9,000 laptops available for students in need, but are asking families with access to the proper technology to not collect a district issued computer. The Port Salerno school, along with Hobe Sound, J.D. Parker and Warfield elementary schools, is a site to obtain free meals for children under 18 on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Currently, all Martin County School District Schools are closed through April 15. For more information, go to www.martinschools.org/coronavirusinfo. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Cape Coral residents Baylyn, 6, and Korbin, 8, Dobson pose with a stuffed animal in their home on Wednesday March 25, 2020. At least a dozen members of their community have placed stuffed bears or stuffed animals so children in the neighborhood can go on a bear hunt. The idea is have activities for the children and to distract them from all the coronavirus pandemic worries. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

About 15 Tallahasseens, who are 65-years or older, lined up outside of the Publix located in Governors Crossing II to shop during senior hour on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Many shoppers wore gloves or a mask, and brought their own antiseptic wipe to clean their shopping cart. See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Anne Bewley works from her bedroom to sew fabric masks on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Bewley knew she wanted to help in some way during the coronavirus pandemic so she got out her sewing machine and got to work making masks, which she is donating to Allegro Senior Living facility. See more photos. Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Mollie LaTorre, costume shop supervisor, poses for a portrait wearing a mask sewn from leftover cloth from previous shows at Sudden Community Theatre in Naples on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Four on-site staff members, with the help of volunteers at home, plan to sew 300 masks to donate to NCH. After being sewn, each mask is washed and placed in an individual plastic bag before being dropped off. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Wicked Dolphin distillery in Cape Coral has begun producing hand and surface sanitizer in an effort to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The business has received demand for the product, which has been difficult to find on store shelves. They will be giving it away surface and hand sanitizer for free, despite losing sales of their traditional spirits because of the closing of restaurants, bars and their own tasting rooms. See more photos. Ricardo Rolon /The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Katherine Webster, a project engineer, was laid off after she asked her employer Tower Construction if she could work from home, as she has an autoimmune disease and her older son Danny has asthma and is diabetic. Webster's young son Simon also suffers from asthma. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Marylin Prysi, a kindergarten teacher at Villas Elementary School in Fort Myers, smiles as she checks in with her students on Zoom on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Teachers have been setting up google classrooms and learning new ways to reach their students while schools are closed due to COVID-19. See more photos. Amanda Inscore/The News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

While wearing a mask and gloves, Wakulla County Schools Superintendent Robert Pearce gives bags packed with four meals to students on Monday, March 23, 2020. See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

In this aerial photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, vehicular traffic on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway is extremely light Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Islamorada, Fla. The subtropical island destination is temporarily closed to visitors until further notice due to the coronavirus crisis, according to local officials. Tourism is the Keys' top industry, employs about half of the region's workforce and generates almost $2 billion annually for the area's economy. Andy Newman/ Florida Keys News Bureau via AP

Janie Hesser has her hair cut and styled by Andrea DePauw during a house call on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. DePauw, the owner of Andrea’s Mobile Salon, is working to bring hair care to her customers with a mobile salon during the COVID-19 scare. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Daniel Rhoat, of the St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation department, uses a chlorine spray to decontaminate the playground at River Park Marina Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in St. Lucie County. The county is continuing to decontaminate play structures throughout the parks to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the hotel industry has been wide. Many area hotels have lost a lot of revenue and visitors due to the pandemic. The Hibiscus House Bed and Breakfast in downtown Fort Myers is feeling the squeeze. Its owner, Bob Brooks, has lost a lot of bookings and money due to people not traveling and using hotels less during the pandemic. Like a lot of local hoteliers, he is trying to ride out the storm and come out with his business intact. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Dennis Russo, who co-owns Affordable Pawn & Gun at 1801 Post Road, in Melbourne with his wife, Yvette, has seen gun sales greatly increasing in since the start of COVID-19 precautions, and the grocery and supply hoarding began. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

The new norm, social distancing and six feet apart. People lined up at the Home Depot on Merritt Island March 24, 2020. The store was limiting the amount of customers in the store at one time and people where lined up outside waiting to shop. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

Michelle Alvarez (center), of Port St. Lucie, and her friends (from left) June Boyhan, of Port St. Lucie, Barbara Chapin, of Fort Pierce, and Denice Strniste, of Port St. Lucie, use the sidewalk under the trees at a pedestrian walkway for their daily Zumba exercises at Veterans Park at Rivergate, after the pavilions were closed on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Port St. Lucie. "I think it's important that people try to stay happy and you've got to try and keep your sense of humor at this point because that's all you've got," Boyhan said about dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. "It's better than being home binge eating. Exercise is the fountain of youth, so however we can do it we're going to do it. As long as we're six feet apart and there's fewer then ten of us we're still in compliance." ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Damaris Cruz, right, shows the computer that was issued to her for her first grade student, as her son Derrick Cruz left, a student at Vineyards Elementary, looks on March 23, 2020 at Golden Terrace Elementary School North. See more photos. Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

The Beach on Scenic Gulf Drive near Seascape Resort in south Walton County, Florida sits empty of tourists on Monday, March 23, 2020. The Walton County (Florida) Commission joined other local governments in the state of Florida in closing their public beaches during the lucrative spring break season in order to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Devon Ravine/ Northwest Florida Daily News via AP

Around 45 Hawks Rise Elementary School teachers participated in a "parade of smiles" on Meadow Ridge Drive, allowing them to see their students from a safe distance as schools have been closed until April 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic Monday, March 23, 2020. See more photos. Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Martin County beaches, including Ross Witham Beach at House of Refuge, are closed Monday, March 23, 2020, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Martin County beach closures do not apply to property owners, visitors and residents at beachfront properties, who may get to the beach via private access. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Danny Young (from right), his wife Mary Beth, winter residents from Massachusetts, along with Danny's brother, Dave Young, from Colorado, overlook the beach Monday, March 23, 2020, where hotel guests are relaxing near Sexton Plaza in Vero Beach. The beaches are now closed to local residents. "It's sad that I can't be there with them. I guess I got to get a room at the hotel to go to the beach," Danny Young said. See more photos. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Although March is the highest revenue month for many businesses in downtown Stuart, the parking lots, typically full, have plenty of open spaces available as people stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus Monday, March 23, 2020. See more photos. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Pastor Kirk Dreiser delivers a sermon outdoors at Rockledge United Methodist Church, located at 1935 S. Fiske Blvd. They began having 8 a.m drive-in worship services in 2018. During COVID-19 precautions, it will be the only one that people can attend but without communion. The 10:30 am service is now being broadcast via Facebook Live. See more photos. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

Djinia Syvestre, left, and her brother Henricks St. Louis, both from Chicago, Illinois, play on the swings, Monday, March 23, 2020, at Sugden Regional Park in East Naples. See more photos. Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Work continues on the Isles of Porto Vista apartment complex off of Del Prado Boulevard near U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers on Monday, March, 23, 2020. Some construction sites are still open amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the situation is very fluid and could change at any time. They are taking precautions while still working. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

People wait in line to donate blood in one of the blood mobiles stationed at American Red Cross off of Cypress Terrace in Fort Myers. Dr. Larry Antonucci, the President and CEO of Lee Health, donated along with NCH President and CEO Paul Hiltz. Blood donations are down because of the coronavirus pandemic and these community leaders are urging the community to donate if possible. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

A family walks on a hard-packed path next to a cordoned off beach entrance, Saturday, March 21, 2020, in Surfside, Fla. Miami-Dade County's mayor ordered all beaches, parks and "non-essential" commercial and retail businesses closed Thursday because of the new coronavirus pandemic. Wilfredo Lee, AP

An empty Clearwater Beach is seen Saturday, March 21, 2020. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri laid into national media for fostering panic that pressured county leaders to close the beaches. Chris Urso/ Tampa Bay Times via AP

In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, Key West mounted police officers Matt Johnson, left, and Mike Wolf, right, patrol Smathers Beach Friday, March 20, 2020, in Key West, Fla. City officials closed the beach to visitors and residents Tuesday, March 17, 2020, to eliminate social congregation as coronavirus cases around the United States continue to rise. On Thursday, March 19, Keys officials announced that the entire 125-mile-long island chain would close to visitors on Sunday, March 22. As of Friday afternoon, there was one confirmed coronavirus case in the Florida Keys, state health officials said. Rob O'Neal/ Florida Keys News Bureau via AP

Chloe Diehl, a graduate assistant at the University of West Florida, works from her Milton area home as her husband, Joseph Fulton, also a UWF student, completes a class assignment on Friday, March 20, 2020. The Milton area couple is worried about the loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 virus. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

A traffic alert sign tells drivers eastbound on S.R. 414 in Apopka, Fla., that toll plazas are unstaffed due to the coronavirus response, Friday, March 20, 2020. All toll roads managed by the Florida Department of Transportation, including the Florida Turnpike, will no longer staff plazas to take cash due to the coronavirus crisis. Tolls will be billed electronically by Toll-By-Plate until further notice. Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Yasso Amin is from Egypt. A few athletes from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) cannot return home due to COVID-19. Some are stranded in Southwest Florida and cannot return home. Some were set to compete in spring championships. One thing is for sure. They all just want to see their families but know they are in the best place right now. Read the story. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Father James Valenzuela, rector of the Catheral of the Sacred Heart, holds a final public mass March 20, 2020, before the church suspends public gatherings to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. See more photos. Annie Theby Photography

Dayamy Nunez Hernandez, picks up a Chromebook and study supplies for her fourth grade daughter. The school also sent home snacks for the student. Lee County students could start picking up their Chromebooks March 19, 2020. Parents and children had a time slot to drive through Mirror Lakes Elementary in Lehigh Acres and pick up their school lessons and Chromebook to do school work at home. See more photos. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Jacob Swain, 17, of Crawfordville, Fla., does a backflip off Route 365 onto the Wakulla River during an outing with friends, Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Crawfordville, Fla. In a matter of days, millions of Americans have seen their lives upended by measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. Julio Cortez, AP

Carlos Santos, 16 of Lehigh Acres, shoots baskets outside, all by himself at his home to help pass the time as he shelters at home. He goes to East Lee High School. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Rep. Al Jacquet wears rubber gloves while going over documents at this desk during the last day of the 2020 legislative session at the Capitol Thursday, March 19, 2020. See more photos. Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Darshana Patel, a compounding technician at WellPack Pharmacy located on Capital Circle Northeast, makes sanitizer that will be distributed for free to the community beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, while supplies last. See more photos. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

A woman heads out of one of the concourses at Southwest Florida International Airport on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Traffic is down at the airport because of the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Edwin Weihenmayer exercises out in the outside workout yard at the World Gym on Ninth Ave on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The fitness center has seen a drop off in attendance since Monday as a result of the coronavirus scare. See more photos. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

The beaches and parks on Fort Myers Beach including the pier are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the globe. Restaurants and Times Square will remain open. Lee County and city officials declared spring break over. Here's a view of the beach on March 19, 2020. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

A sign at the Sable Palm Bar and Grill at the Lani Kai on Fort Myers Beach Wednesday, March, 18, 2020 asks visitors to observe social distancing standards because of the coronavirus pandemic. See more photos. Andrew West/The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Heidi Roxburgh bags a to-go order at O'Riley's Irish Pub in downtown Pensacola on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Following recommended guidelines to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, many restaurants are offering 50% capacity eat-in service as well as take-out and roadside pickup. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

Fort Myers Brewery asks that each person stands on a blue X. The blue X's are 6 feet apart. Food reporter Annabelle Tometich traveled around Southwest Florida on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in her car getting a feel for what takeout looks like for area restaurants and breweries. Restaurants were asked to limit eating space or to go only. Breweries can sell cans and growlers of beer to go. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Vicky Guzman (right) talks with Rebecca O'Donnell (left), a support specialist with the Indian River County School District, while picking up a laptop for her two students on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, during a laptop distribution at Vero Beach Elementary School in Vero Beach. With the continued spread of COVID-19, the laptop distribution is part of the district's provisional plan to ensure students remain connected to teachers and assignments. PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM

Austin Redd, 16, puts the food in the back of a scooter. Community Cooperative is trying to use younger volunteers at their sites because so many of their volunteers are of older age and need to shelter and social distance themselves. Community Cooperative is hosting popup mobile food pantries around the city. Normally they have tables where people can shop for food, but with COVID-19, they have prepackaged food and people drive through. Each family got fresh produce, milk, eggs and meat as well as some box and can items. See more photos. Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network

Cole Taliaferro, of West Florida High School, on the bottom hammock, Bianca Hornbrook (West Florida High School), Demery Stacks (West Florida High School), Isaac Dalton (Catholic High School) on the middle hammock, and Will Davis (Bailey Middle School) on the top hammock, hang out under the pier during spring break at Casino Beach in Pensacola on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

Cole Taliaferro, of West Florida High School, on the bottom hammock, Bianca Hornbrook (West Florida High School), Demery Stacks (West Florida High School), Isaac Dalton (Catholic High School) on the middle hammock, and Will Davis (Bailey Middle School) on the top hammock, hang out under the pier during spring break at Casino Beach in Pensacola on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See more photos. Gregg Pachkowski, gregg@pnj.com

"In the climate of what is going on in our country today, it's imperative that we all get out to vote to try to shift the narrative in a more positive direction," said Brenda Matheny after voting at precinct 26 with her husband Jerry Matheny, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. "It is imperative that we all get out to vote today, your vote is your voice. No vote, no voice." ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Bob Griswold, left, and Deirdre Griswold, right, walk out of their polling location after voting at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The couple chose to wear masks to vote as a precaution in response to COVID-19. "He has a lung problem, so I'm really concerned about him," Deirdre Griswold said. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Community members receive meat, produce, and canned food from Meals of Hope at the Greater Naples YMCA in Naples on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Meals of Hope has implemented precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 such as keeping people standing in line six feet apart, disinfecting surfaces and hands regularly and limiting physical contact between volunteers and recipients. "We'll be here until we run out of food or we're mandated to stop," said President and CEO Stephen Popper. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Khawndice Colley (left) with the School District of Indian River County Mobile Cafe, watches over Aylonie Wiggins, 4, as she crosses the street on her way home inside the Pemberly Palms neighborhood after receiving a free breakfast from the Mobile Cafe on Monday, March 16, 2020, in Indian River County. On Friday, the State Board of Education ordered the closure of all public schools through March 27th, to stop the spread of the coronavirus across the state. The SDIRC mobile cafes will be providing children free breakfast and lunch, ages 18 and under, during the school closures. "I think it's a wonderful program because of the opportunity to still help feed our kids, and I think it's a wonderful program that we are doing for the community, since school is canceled (until March 27)." Colley said. "I love driving and I love serving this community." Go to www.indianriverschools.org for information on the Mobile Cafe schedule and routes, serving the north, central, and south areas of Indian River County. ERIC HASERT/TCPALM

Brothers Roman Brodie, 11, and Liam Brodie, 8, of Palm City, enjoy a sunny day at Stuart Beach on Monday, March 16, 2020, on Hutchinson Island. All Treasure Coast schools are closed through at least March 27 as communities take steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus. LEAH VOSS/TCPALM

Visitors to the Fort Myers Beach pier and Times Square on Fort Myers Beach take in a sunset on Monday. The large groups are starting to thin out because of the coronavirus outbreak. President Donald Trump held a press conference Monday, March 16, 2020 urging the public to avoid groups of more than 10 to help fight the pandemic. The area would normally be packed this time of year because of spring break. See more photos. Andrew West/ The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Here's a view of Times Square on Fort Myers Beach at 2:13 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Fort Myers Beach mayor and business owner Anita Cereceda said "Although business is down we still have many visitors here on the island who are supporting our local business and we are grateful to them. Hopefully, responsibly, optimistic is our strategy." See more photos. Andrew West/ The USA Today Network, The News-Press

A few customers sit at the bar of the mostly empty Tequila Mexican Restaurant in the Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa, Fla. on March 16, 2020. The City of Tampa delivered flyers to local bars and restaurants informing them of an expected announcement of mandated closures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. The vast majority of people recover. Octavio Jones/ Tampa Bay Times via AP

Guests wave goodbye to Mickey Mouse and friends on Main Street USA, in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, after the characters made a surprise appearance in the final minutes before the park closed, Sunday night, March 15, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Walt Disney World announced that all their Florida parks will be closed for the rest of March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to give updates on how the coronavirus has impacted Florida, Saturday, March 14, 2020. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Senior Pastor Craig Goodrich leads a church service in front of rows of empty pews at First Presbyterian Church in Naples on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The church will be videotaping services for members of the congregation to watch online in an effort to limit social contact and slow the spread of COVID-19. See more photos. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Minnesota Twins pitcher Sergio Romo stops to say goodbye to parking operations worker Bill Fear, as he drives out of Hammond Stadium, Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Fort Myers, Fla. Major League Baseball has suspended the rest of its spring training game schedule because of the coronavirus outbreak. MLB is also delaying the start of its regular season by at least two weeks. Elise Amendola, AP

Disney Cruise Line announced it was suspending cruises effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 through the end of the month due to COVID-19. On Friday, the Disney Dream left Port Canaveral about 5 p.m., the last Disney ship to sail until Disney resumes cruises. MALCOLM DENEMARK/ FLORIDA TODAY

The crew of Strates Shows, of Orlando, packs up their midway rides, games and concessions as the Firefighters Indian River County Fair has been canceled on what would have been their opening night on Friday, March 13, 2020 in Indian River County in Vero Beach. The annual Firefighters Indian River County Fair was canceled because of concerns about the coronavirus. Go to www.firefightersfair.org for updates. ERIC HASERT/ TCPALM

The grandstands are empty overlooking pit lane at the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Fla., Friday, March 13, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Fla. NASCAR and IndyCar have postponed their weekend schedules at Atlanta Motor Speedway and St. Petersburg, Florida, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Dirk Shadd/ Tampa Bay Times via AP

In this Thursday, March 12, 2020 photo, crowds pack Main Street USA in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Walt Disney World announced later in the day that they will close their theme parks on March 16 through the end of the month in response to the coronavirus threat. Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

InterMiami co-owner David Beckham, right, talks with head coach Diego Alonso during an MLS training session, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Major League Soccer is shutting down for 30 days because of the coronavirus, delaying the home opener for the expansion InterMiami team co-owned by former England captain David Beckham. The vast majority of people recover from the new coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, most people recover in about two to six weeks, depending on the severity of the illness. Joe Cavaretta/ South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

This image posted from Fábio Wajngarten's Instagram account shows, from left, Álvaro Garnero, Vice President Mike Pence, President Donald Trump and Wajngarten, the communications director for Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, posing for a photo at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Wajngarten tested positive for the new coronavirus, just days after the trip, according to Bolsonaro's communications office on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Instagram via AP

In this March 7, 2020 photo provided by Brazil's presidential press office, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, center, stands with President Donald Trump, second from left, Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Brazil's Communications Director Fabio Wajngarten, behind Trump partially covered, during a dinner in Florida. Wajngarten tested positive for the new coronavirus, just days after the trip, according to Bolsonaro's communications office on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Alan Santos/ Brazil's Presidential Press Office via AP

Florida State players gather with the championship trophy after they were announced the winner of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament after the remainder of NCAA college basketball games were cancelled, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Greensboro, N.C. The tournament were cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus. Ben McKeown, AP

Kimberly Prosser, Brevard County Emergency Management Director, talks to the media. About 200 local government officials, emergency management, health and first responders met at the the Brevard County Emergency Management bunker Tuesday afternoon March 11, 2020 to discuss precautions and procedures for COVID-19. MALCOLM DENEMARK/ FLORIDA TODAY

Chris Allen makes changes to the signboard outside the Dock on Pensacola Beach on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. As the Spring break season arrives along the Gulf Coast, few business owners and visitors at Pensacola Beach are concerned about the coronavirus. Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

Passengers Karla Weston and Steve Young, of Port Saint John, Florida, walked out of terminal 2 wearing masks after disembarking from the Caribbean Princess that returned early morning from its sailing after being previously declared "no sail" status due to coronavirus. Two crew members were tested and found disease-free at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Pedro Portal/ Miami Herald via AP

Despite coronavirus fears affecting parts of the world and and two confirmed cases in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Beach was packed with spring breakers and visitors on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. View more photos. Andrew West/ The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Despite coronavirus fears affecting parts of the world and and two confirmed cases in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Beach was packed with spring breakers and visitors on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. View more photos. Andrew West/ The USA Today Network, The News-Press

The Regal Princess cruise ship is shown docked, Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Florida Department of Health says three employees of a company that greets cruise ship passengers have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Two cruise ships that left from Fort Lauderdale, the Regal Princess and the Caribbean Princess, were later issued "no sail" orders by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after crew members who had possibly been exposed on a California ship were tested. The Regal Princess eventually docked at the port late Sunday and passengers were able to leave the ship. Wilfredo Lee/ AP

Crew members swab down Florida's House floor at the state Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., Monday, March 9, 2020, after several members voluntarily submitted themselves for testing of a new strain of coronavirus. The Florida House abruptly recessed Monday afternoon and cleared public galleries after several of its members agreed to be tested for the new strain of coronavirus after recently attending a political event in Washington where one attendee tested positive for COVID-19. Bobby Caina Calvan, AP

The Florida House chamber sits abandoned March 9, 2020 after House Speaker José Oliva announced that five members would self-quarantine and be tested for coronavirus after attending conferences where the virus was detected. It was later determined that the lawmakers were "low risk," would not self-isolate or be tested and they returned to work. Tori Lynn Schneider/ Tallahassee Democrat

A group of college spring breakers affiliated with the campus Christian organization Cru film a video on the beach in Destin, Florida on Monday, March 9, 2020. Tourism officials across the Florida panhandle are cautiously optimistic that the threat of coronavirus won't deter the thousands of young college students who visit this area every year for spring break. Devon Ravine/ Northwest Florida Daily News via AP

The Regal Princess Cruise ship is seen at sea about 5 miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sunday, March 8, 2020. The cruise ship was being held off the coast of Florida Sunday as the ship waits for test results on whether two crew members have contracted the new coronavirus. The crew members in question had transferred from the Grand Princess cruise ship in California where nearly two dozen on board have tested positive for the virus, including multiple crew members. Joe Cavaretta/ South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Vice President Mike Pence, center, along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, and CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, right, speaks to the media after a meeting with cruise line company leaders to discuss the efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus at Port Everglades Saturday, March 7, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Gaston De Cardenas, AP

Rows of store shelves sold out of hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps at a Walmart in Port St. Lucie Florida, Saturday, March 7, 2020. Panic buying across the United States in fear of the coronavirus has depleted stores of face masks, antibacterial cleansers, toilet paper and other supplies. NewsBase, Associated Press

Governor Ron DeSantis speaks about Florida's response to the spread of coronavirus during a press conference at the Florida Department of Health in Naples on Friday, March 6, 2020. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY - FLORIDA NETWORK

Esther Gianan, of Tampa, a retired registered nurse, prays for those who are affected by the coronavirus during Mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, Fla., Friday, March 6, 2020. Octavio Jones/ Tampa Bay Times via AP

Members of the Kia Tigers, a professional baseball team from South Korea warm up and congegrate outside of the dugout at Terry Park in Fort Myers while playing a Spring Training game against a baseball scouting league team on Tuesday, March, 3, 2020. The team is delaying its departure back to South Korea because of the coronavirus. They are scheduled to head back on the 15th but that could change depending on the outbreak. Andrew West/ The USA Today Network, The News-Press

Airline passengers wear masks in the terminal area of Orlando International Airport on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. Many travellers are wearing masks because of the coronavirus outbreak. Stephen M. Dowell/ Orlando Sentinel via AP

Diana Collier, a technician at Hobbs Pharmacy, holds up a medical face mask similar to the N-95 masks that are in demand. There has been a run on N-95 masks and other respiratory masks around the county as people buy them for protection from the coronavirus. At Hobbs Pharmacy on Merritt Island, Florida the masks are sold out and on back order. On the last shipment they had, someone bought the last box to send to China. MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

In this Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 photo, guests select a balloon for purchase at the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Florida tourism officials say cases of the new coronavirus are having little visible impact on the theme park industry so far. Disney officials said in a statement that extra hand sanitizers were being placed throughout its four parks and more than two dozen hotels. John Raoux, AP

The Department of Economic Opportunity’s glitch-ridden online CONNECT system for filing claims has been swamped by applicants and callers seeking assistance, with thousands of Floridians unable to complete an unemployment application or get phone help.

The Department of Health is seeking Florida residents to respond to a 10-step online survey about the coronavirus.

The "Stronger than COVID-19" anonymous survey was launched Saturday. The questions cover demographic information, recent travel history, health history and habit changes in response to the social distancing push by health officials.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people don't have any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, the Centers for Disease Control said.

About 1 in 6 people becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing, according to the World Health Organization. If you experience fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your doctor.

Symptoms may appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure, with the average patient seeing onset at around five days, according to the CDC.

Symptoms may appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure, with the average patient seeing onset at around five days, according to the CDC.